Many of them would likely blend real historical events with fictional characters or storylines. So, you could have a story set during a real war, like the Napoleonic Wars, but the main characters could be fictional people whose lives are intertwined with the events of the war. This creates a more immersive experience for the reader as they get to see the big historical events from a more personal perspective.
'The Old Man and the Sea' by Ernest Hemingway is also relevant. It shows the simple yet profound life of an American fisherman, and it was written during a time when America was grappling with post - war changes. The determination of the old man can be seen as a metaphor for the American spirit in the 1950s.
Well, 'The Sun Also Rises' by Ernest Hemingway is a remarkable 1920s historical fiction. It shows the post - World War I disillusionment of the so - called 'Lost Generation'. Then there's 'Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God'. While it also delves into African - American experiences in the South during the 1920s, it has elements of historical fiction as it portrays the era's social and cultural aspects. And don't forget 'This Side of Paradise' by F. Scott Fitzgerald which reflects the youth culture of the 1920s.
For historical 1920s fiction, you can't miss 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' by Anita Loos. It's a fun and satirical look at the flapper culture of the 1920s. 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque, while mainly about World War I, also has implications for the post - war 1920s world. It shows the disillusionment of soldiers. And 'Main Street' by Sinclair Lewis offers a view of small - town America in the 1920s, highlighting the clash between traditional values and the emerging modernity.
Many historical 1920s fiction books often deal with the aftermath of World War I. There is a sense of disillusionment among the characters. For example, in 'The Sun Also Rises', the main characters are part of the 'Lost Generation' trying to find meaning in a world that has been shaken by war. Also, these books may explore the changing social norms, like the rise of the flapper culture in 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', which shows the new - found freedom of women in the 1920s.
Well, 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates is a great pick. It combines historical facts about slavery with a touch of magical realism. The story follows a young slave who discovers he has a special power related to water. It's a powerful exploration of the African - American experience during slavery times. Also, 'Melmoth' by Sarah Perry is interesting. It's inspired by the legend of Melmoth the Wanderer and is set in different historical periods, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of stories.
Well, 'The Thirteenth Tale' had a lot of fans too. It's a gothic - style historical fiction that weaves a complex web of mystery and family secrets. The atmospheric writing and the way it unfolds the story over different time periods really attracted readers.
Well, 'Homegoing' was also very popular. Its multi - generational and multi - cultural story was very engaging. It was able to connect different historical periods and places in a very seamless way, which made it stand out among the other historical fiction books of 2016.
Also, 'Pachinko' was popular. Its multi - generational story of a Korean family was appealing to a wide range of readers. It not only told a great family story but also educated readers about the historical context of Korea under Japanese rule and the experiences of Korean immigrants.